Free Bus Rides for Detroit Students Aim to Improve School Attendance
A new initiative in Detroit called Ride and Rise has been launched to provide free bus rides for students in the city. Approved by the Detroit City Council, the program aims to address transportation challenges faced by many families and improve school attendance rates.
Robert Cramer, the director of the Detroit Department of Transportation, highlighted the importance of the 180-day pilot program during a recent city council meeting. Students are required to show their ID to access the free bus rides, which are part of Mayor Sheffield’s efforts to enhance transit services for students and families.
Mayor Mary Sheffield emphasized the goal of reducing chronic absenteeism in schools and enhancing transportation options for students during her state of the city address. The program also aims to redirect funds spent on bus fares towards after-school programs, benefiting students further.
According to a report from the Detroit Partnership for Education Equity & Research (PEER), a significant portion of Detroit families lack consistent transportation for school commutes, with many not owning a car. The partnership between the Department of Transportation and local schools, including the Detroit Public Schools Community District, will monitor attendance changes following the program’s implementation.
To ensure student safety, adults may accompany buses on routes with high student ridership or safety concerns. The Detroit Police Department provides security at transit centers and along bus routes to enhance safety measures for students.
If the pilot program progresses beyond the initial six months, further steps such as ordinance amendments and equity assessments with the Federal Transit Administration will be required. The collaboration between city officials, schools, and transportation authorities aims to create a more accessible and secure environment for Detroit students.
